Location: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA | Metro: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,580 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,720 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,690 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,120 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,494 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,774 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,963 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,050 | $302,088 | 0.68% | D |
| 3BR | $2,440 | $409,006 | 0.6% | F |
| 4BR | $2,690 | $467,268 | 0.58% | F |
| 5BR | $3,120 | $514,384 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 19090, Willow Grove, PA, in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1880. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 program. It's important to note that this is not the actual rent you will receive; rather, it's the benchmark used by the Housing Choice Voucher Program to determine the rent subsidy.
To put this into perspective, the local Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) for the area is currently at $2,177. This means that the FMR is slightly below the average market rent, which could affect your decision if you're looking to maximize income from your property. However, the FMR is designed to ensure affordability for tenants, so you'll need to adjust your expectations accordingly.
The demand for rental properties in Willow Grove is robust, with renters making up 34.5% of the housing market. This indicates a strong potential for occupancy, as a significant portion of the population is actively seeking rental housing. Given this high percentage of renters, it's likely that there will be consistent interest in your property once it's enrolled in the Section 8 program.
If you're considering purchasing a property for your first Section 8 rental, the median home value in the area is around $406,293. This figure represents the typical price you might expect to pay for an existing home in Willow Grove, which can help you estimate the initial investment required. Keep in mind that the ongoing income from the Section 8 program will be based on the FMR, not the full market rent.
Before you make the final decision to enroll in the Section 8 program, verify that your property meets all the necessary requirements for eligibility. These include safety and health standards, which are essential to avoid any complications once you start renting to voucher holders. Ensuring compliance with these standards upfront will save you time and money in the long run.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.